The Telegraph - Telegraph United Kingdom

Donald Trump should count himself lucky... at least he isn’t British - Telegraph.co.uk

In Britain we’re a lot less indulgent towards election losers – and indeed election winners

Right now, Donald Trump is probably feeling pretty sorry for himself. Nothing new there, of course. But the last few days will have been especially bitter. He may not have attended Joe Bidens inauguration, he may not even have watched it on TV but the mere thought of it will have rankled. All that acclaim. All that joy. And, worst of all, the knowledge that millions of people were celebrating not just the new presidents arrival but the old presidents departure. Still, one thought should console Trump. At least he isnt British. In Britain, the transition of power after an election is downright brutal. Barely has the result been confirmed than the removal fans are roaring into Downing Street. The defeated incumbent having had scarcely a wink of sleep is out on his or her ear. Slung out the door like a flea-ridden cat. Imagine how Trump would have reacted to that. Mind you, we arent much kinder to the winner. He or she gets no time to bask or swagger. No inauguration party. No big showbiz bash with Lady Gaga, broadcast live to millions like a political Superbowl. All our new leader gets is a quick chat at the Palace and then its off to No10 to get straight down to work. The Americans are far more generous. Indulgent, even. Their outgoing leader doesnt find himself turfed out with the trash overnight. He gets almost three extra months in the White House to get over his grief, repair his injured ego, and practise his waving. Personally, though, I much prefer the British way of doing things. Its not just bracingly brisk its sensible. We dont have to worry that our outgoing leaders have taken their eye off the ball, and are spending their final months in office doing nothing but sulk, file spurious lawsuits and draw up lists of their dodgy friends to pardon. Plus, of course, we give them no opportunity to incite sedition. Quite frankly, if our defeated leaders want to whip up a mob of crazed thugs, they can jolly well do it on their own time. Although of course, having held the illegal party, they may not need to try at all. What could possibly go wrong? As defences go, its less than watertight. Last week police caught a group of young people holding an illicit party at a house in Hampshire. And what excuse did the attendees offer? They didnt realise there was a pandemic. Because, in their words: We dont watch the news. The party was broken up, and one man fined. No further action will be taken. A pity, in a way, because Id have loved to hear the accused expand on that defence in court. Genuinely, Your Honour. I had no idea. I mean, I did kind of wonder why all the pubs were shut, and the schools, and the restaurants, and the hairdressers, and most of the shops, and everyone was wearing these funny masks. But I forgot to ask. My teachers always said I was a bit of a dreamer The Government has now increased the penalty for holding a party: its £800. But ministers know all too well that parties arent the main source of the spread. A bigger problem is people going to work with Covid symptoms because staying at home would cost them financially. Ideally, the Government would raise statutory sick pay. But, according to a leaked document, officials have proposed an alternative solution: give £500 to anyone at all who tests positive. Yesterday a No10 spokesman dismissed the idea. Probably for the best. Think how it could backfire. You might say, Come off it. People arent going to catch Covid on purpose, just to get £500. No ones that daft. But there are people daft enough to hold parties. And daft enough not to watch the news for 10 months or at least, daft enough to think it sounds like a plausible excuse. So maybe there are some people daft enough to catch Covid on purpose. And even to offer their services to others. Catch Covid off me, and get £500. Minus a 20 per cent cut for me. Also, if the people daft enough to hold illegal parties have been fined £800, they might be daft enough to try recouping the bulk of their losses. Pray for the Olympics Im not a big follower of athletics. But I really hope the Olympics dont get cancelled this summer. Of course the pandemic has been wretched for people in all kinds of work. Olympic athletes, however, would face a very particular type of anguish. The prime of an athlete is agonisingly brief. For those at the peak of their powers right now, this summer offers their best chance maybe their only chance of Olympic glory. The glory theyve worked towards all their lives. If this summers Olympics get cancelled, that chance will be gone. Sure, there would be another Olympics, in (presumably) 2024. But by then, these athletes may have passed their prime. Theyll be less likely to win or even to qualify. And so, for the rest of their lives, theyll be left dwelling on what might have been. If only the Olympics had gone ahead in 2020, or 2021, theyll think. They could have won. Kissed the gold. Whooped and raved before a dazzled world. That was their moment. That was their chance. But it wasnt to be. The chance never came. And by the time the pandemic was finally over, and the next Games rolled round, theyd lost that crucial burst of speed, that vital surge of strength and a new cohort of athletes, three or four years younger, had surpassed them. Through no fault of their own, all that sweat and sacrifice had come to nothing. Its a grim thought. So lets hope these Games go ahead, as planned. For many prospective competitors, its now or never. God give them that one big shot at glory. Even if they have to run in hazmat suits.

Thatcherite effort needed to save Britain's car industry, says former Aston Martin boss - Telegraph.co.uk

Andy Palmer, who also worked at Nissan, fears automakers will leave the UK unless batteries are produced on these shores

The Government must attract battery-makers to the UK with the same determination that Margaret Thatcher showed in the 1980s when major car producers were convinced to invest in Britain, a leading industry figure has said. Former Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer, who is now vice-chairman at European electric vehicle battery producer InoBat, says the future of British carmaking depends on new technologies developing on these shores. "Weve got to be mindful of local production," Mr Palmer said. "Car-makers will want batteries near their factories and the Government has to go all out to attract and support investment in a UK battery gigafactory. "Its an existential threat now, just as the UK car industry faced in the 1980s." He added: "Margaret Thatcher went out of the way to make sure that Britain won the deal to attract Japanese car plants in the 1980s and we need the same effort now." Mr Palmer, a former Nissan executive, also welcomed Nissans announcement on Friday that it is committed to making cars at its giant Sunderland factory.  "As an industry, we dodged a bullet with the Brexit deal," he said, referring to the agreement which avoids tariffs on exports of UK-built cars to the EU.  "If that deal had been offered four and a half years ago, the industry would have signed off on it, as it basically means only extra paperwork, though [there is] some more colour in the agreement that needs attention, mainly around rules of origin (ROO). Mr Palmer was instrumental in the creation of the Leaf electric car - one of the models built at Sunderland.

It's a Sin, review: Russell T Davies's Aids-crisis drama will break your heart and fill you with joy - The Telegraph

This tale of a group of gay friends in the Eighties, as the spectre of Aids appears on the horizon, is Russell T Davies's best series so far

I had so much fun, says a character in Its a Sin (Channel 4) as he lies in a hospital bed, dying of Aids. Thats what people will forget. That it was so much fun. And thats what you take away from this series, probably the best thing Russell T Davies has ever written. The gay community, devastated by this disease, was treated with ignorance and sometimes astonishing cruelty by society at large. Davies doesnt shy away from any of that. But what he has delivered is a drama that radiates joy. Its full of sex. How could it not be, given the subject matter? But its no more shocking or graphic than plenty of other shows on TV, and no more scandalous than Daviess earlier series about gay men, Queer as Folk, which was on Channel 4 more than 20 years ago. As in Queer as Folk, we have a core group of characters to take to our hearts. Its London, 1981. Ritchie (Olly Alexander) has left his home on the Isle of Wight to take up a place at university. Colin (Callum Scott Howells) is newly arrived from the Welsh Valleys as a Savile Row apprentice. And Roscoe (Omari Douglas) has walked out on his deeply religious family after they threaten to ship him back to Nigeria. Roscoe is out and proud from the beginning. Ritchie quickly embraces gay life and treats it as one glorious party. Colin oh, how you will take Colin to your heart. He is one of lifes innocents, and Im not sure if he ever takes off his anorak. They all end up living in a rackety flat they christen the Pink Palace, with a woman called Jill (Lydia West) who starts out as a friend and becomes a ministering angel. At the end of episode one, the boys are asked what they see in their futures. Ritchie dreams of starring in the West End and becoming a film star. Roscoe says, just you wait, give me five or six years and Ill be stinking rich. Colin would be happy to stay just where he is. Id love to be able to tell you that all those wishes come true.

Exclusive: Half a million fewer vaccines being supplied to NHS next week - Telegraph.co.uk

Government sources admit the target of vaccinating priority groups by mid-February was increasingly 'tight'

Pfizer said the firm was still on track to deliver the agreed number of doses to the UK by the end of March, despite the temporary delays caused by a refit at its factory in Puurs, Belgium. In other countries which approved the Pfizer vaccine after the UK, however, the disruption had led to widespread chaos and threats of legal action. Italy said it would consider taking Pfizer to court after jabs fell from 80,000 a day to an average of 28,000 last Saturday. In Germany, where BioNTech is based, jabs have been halted in care homes and hospitals in some areas. Authorities in Madrid, meanwhile, said they had only received half the doses expected on the day Spain announced a record number of Covid cases. In another blow, AstraZeneca said expected shipments of the Oxford jab to the EU would be substantially hit by reduced yields in the production process. A spokesperson for the firm added, however, that UK supply would be unaffected because the vast majority of Oxford doses are manufactured in this country. Meanwhile in Canada, authorities have been told not to expect a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine next week. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he did not accept the firms explanation. They were saying theyre reconstructing another line in Belgium I dont buy any of that crap. Bottom line is get us the vaccines. Simple as that. I dont care what youre building, You can throw any excuse you want at me I dont buy it, Mr Ford said. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: In the coming week millions of doses of the vaccines will be delivered and we remain on track to offer first vaccinations to the top four priority groups by mid-February. On Friday night it was alleged by The Guardian that internal guidelines meant foreign NHS workers risked being denied the vaccine. However these claims were strongly denied by NHS England and the Department for Health.

Introduction of smart motorways saw casualties of people stranded in live lanes increase six-fold - Telegraph.co.uk

The Telegraph analysed Grant Shapps’s stocktake report on smart motorways, where the hard shoulder is turned into a fourth high speed lane

The introduction of smart motorways saw deaths and injuries of people stranded after breaking down in live lanes increase six-fold, a Department for Transport report has revealed. The Daily Telegraph has analysed Grant Shappss stocktake report into the safety of smart motorways which looked at collision statistics on nine All Lane Running routes, where the hard shoulder is turned into a fourth high speed lane. The 78-page document was published in March last year, when Britain went into lockdown, and led to Mr Shapps introducing an 18-point action meant to make smart motorways safer. Despite this, the Transport Secretary declared smart motorways as safe, or safer than conventional ones with a hard shoulder because of the complex picture where some risks outweigh possible safety benefits. The Telegraphs analysis comes amid renewed calls from relatives of people who have perished after failing to reach an emergency refuge area to halt the roll out of smart motorways until an adequate radar detection system capable of quickly spotting stranded cars or lorries is in place. Earlier this week a coroner called for an urgent review into the safety of smart motorways after finding scrapping hard shoulders presents an ongoing risk of future deaths. Mr Shappss report, called Smart Motorway Safety - Evidence Stocktake and Action Plan analysed Highways England data, found all live lane collisions increased from an average of three per year when a traditional motorway, to around 19 when smart. It stresses the importance of understanding how risk and collisions vary between motorway types, adding how smart motorways have seen risks such as "tailgating, drivers losing control of their vehicle, cars or lorries drifting across lanes, rapid changes of speed and speeding itself reduced. But, it says where there is no hard shoulder the likelihood of collisions involving a vehicle stopped in a live lane has increased. An average of 2.8 deaths were caused every year on all lane smart motorways when a vehicle was stranded in a live lane, up from zero before they were changed. The changes also mean there are on average 7 serious injuries a year, compared to an annual average of 0.3 before, and 9.1 "slight" injuries, again a rise from 2.3. The report concludes live lane collisions continue to be very infrequent pointing out how the collisions were far lower than the 9,206 breakdowns on a live lane on all motorways where there was no hard shoulder but no stranded vehicle was actually hit.  Mr Shapps, writing the reports introduction, says smart motorways also reduce the chance of multiple car pile-ups. The document says breakdowns in live lanes are an "infrequent experience" for drivers, and that smart motorway technology gives a greater ability to close the lane, reduce vehicle speeds and warn other drivers of a hazard. It adds: Although the risk of an accident involving a vehicle stopping in a live lane has grown, the level of this risk compared to other hazards remains small. Overall the risks declined after all lane running was introduced Highways England also insists the hard shoulder itself is a dangerous place to stop. The report says there were 100 casualties on the hard shoulder in 2017, with 1 in 12 - or eight per cent - of casualties occurring on the hard shoulder each year. Mr Shapps wrote how in the four years analysed from 2015, the fatal casualty rate for smart motorways without a permanent hard shoulder was lower than it is on motorways with a hard shoulder. He adds: In three of these four years, the "weighted rate" - that is, all casualties (fatal, serious and slight) weighted by seriousness - was lower for smart motorways without a permanent hard shoulder than it is on motorways with a hard shoulder. He says while stocktake shows the risk of a collision between a moving vehicle and a stationary vehicle is higher on smart motorways the chance of a collision between two or more moving vehicles is lower due to technology. A Department for Transport spokesperson said the stocktake found in most ways smart motorways are safe as, or safer than conventional motorways they replace, but not in every way which was why the 18-point action plan was introduced to make them safer still. A Department for Transport spokesperson said:   The stocktake found that in most ways smart motorways are as safe as, or safer than, the conventional motorways they replaced, but not in every way. Thats why the Transport Secretary tasked Highways England with delivering a robust 18 point Action Plan to make them safer still, and has called an urgent meeting with Highways England to discuss their progress on that plan. A Highways England spokeswoman said they are determined to do all we can to make our roads as safe as possible and have already completed some of the action plan, including installing more technology that can detect stationary vehicles in live lanes. Overall the risks for road users are less compared to conventional motorways and the stocktake report shows that the casualty rate has reduced by 18% after the introduction of All Lane Running motorways. But we know people are concerned about breaking down and we are determined to doallwe can to make our roads as safe as possible.

France demands Britain help bail out Eurostar - Telegraph.co.uk

The French transport minister provides the clearest signal yet that UK taxpayers will step in to help rescue the struggling rail operator

Britain and France are in talks to rescue Eurostar, with officials in Paris determined not to let the struggling rail operator fail but insisting the UK must also play its part.  French transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said he was in discussions with his UK counterpart Grant Shapps about a bailout. France, Eurostars majority owner, has already pumped 200m (£178m) into the operator, which has suffered from a 95pc fall in passenger numbers since March following the pandemic.  David Cameron sold Britains stake in Eurostar to France in 2015 for £750m. Mr Djebbari said: We are working with the UK on mechanisms for aid that are proportionally pro rata to the implications of each in Eurostar. The government will back Eurostar to maintain this strategic link between our two countries. The remarks come as Huw Merriman, chairman of the Commons transport select committee, called on ministers to come up with a solution to Eurostars troubles. Eurostar will run out of cash within months, if not weeks, according to some sources. Mr Merriman said on Wednesday that Britain cannot afford to lose the Channel Tunnel operator to the pandemic. Services have been stripped back to a bare minimum. It needs a joint, bespoke UK-French solution to help it through this crisis," he said. Like airlines, quarantine and travel restrictions have blighted Eurostars access to its markets during the pandemic. Unlike airlines, Eurostar has been shut out from government loans that have offered a lifeline. Over the weekend, a spokesman for Eurostar said: Without additional funding from the Government, there is a real risk to the survival of Eurostar as the current situation is very serious.

Spot the difference: How Joe Biden has swept away the signs of Donald Trump from the Oval Office - The Telegraph

Roosevelt portrait and Clinton’s gold drapes in, military flags and Churchill bust out

There is a new broom in the White House, and Joe Biden has wasted no time at all in sweeping away many of the signs that Donald Trump was ever there. First he signed a clutch of executive orders to reverse many of his predecessor's decisions, then he turned his eye to the Oval Office.  Out went the artwork depicting Americas populist leaders and the military insignia that Mr Trump brought with him in 2016. In came the busts of civil rights activists and nods to the importance of unity and science. Perhaps the most striking alteration was the removal of the bust of Winston Churchill. Originally loaned to George W Bush by Tony Blair in 2001, it was removed by Barack Obama in 2009, a move the then-London mayor Boris Johnson called a snub to Britain. When Donald Trump came to power in 2017, he reinstated the Churchill bust to the Oval Office, proudly showing it off to Theresa May on her visit. In its place now, on the orders of Mr Biden, sits the bust of Rev Martin Luther King Jr.

EU considers UK travel ban to stem spread of new highly-infectious Covid variants - Telegraph.co.uk

Britons could be hit by the move, which comes amid growing concerns over the new strains from the UK, Brazil and South Africa

EU countries could introduce travel bans under plans being considered on Thursday to combat the spread of new strains of the Covid-19 virus. The European council will meet on Thursday evening to discuss proposals put forward by German leader Angela Merkel that would allow countries to introduce bans on all forms of transport even for citizens from EU countries as well those from outside the EU including the UK. The German chancellor wants the EU to take a coordinated response to the threat posed by the emergence of new, highly infectious Covid variants - one of which emerged in the UK as well as Brazil and South Africa. On Wednesday night the Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte announced flights and ferries from the United Kingdom, will be banned from Saturday with the same restrictions imposed on South Africa and South American countries. Under the German proposals, the EU would bar all passengers from outside the EU including Britons unless they had a negative Covid test result taken less than 48 hours before departure. There would only be narrowly defined exceptions from quarantine for people working in the passenger or goods transport sector and health workers.  Under an additional option, individual EU countries would be free to impose further-reaching temporary bans on entry and on transporting passengers entering from third countries with virus variant areas where it was deemed necessary to protect public health. Although the bans would be time-limited, they would possibly [be] applicable also to EU citizens and persons with a right of residence in the EU, according to the document seen by The Daily Telegraph. The draconian measures demonstrate the depth of concern among EU leaders at the risk from the new variants, the failure to so far bring the pandemic under control and the slow roll-out of the vaccine in most European countries. It comes as UK ministers are expected to consider similar measures at a Covid Operational Cabinet committee meeting on Friday including the introduction of Australian and New Zealand style quarantine hotels where arrivals would be held until they had completed their 10-day isolation. Government officials have been in talks with hotel chains about following the Antipodean model where travellers have to pay a portion of the cost of quarantining or living in managed isolation centres. The moves come on top of tightening of border controls announced last week by Boris Johnson with the closure of quarantine free travel corridors from 63 countries, requiring all arrivals to self-isolate for up to 10 days unless they have negative test on the fifth day. On Monday, new rules also came into force requiring all passengers arriving in the UK to have a negative covid test from within 72 hours of departure.  Travellers who fail to provide an appropriate negative test result face fines of £500, while airlines that bring people into the UK without the negative swabs face fines of £2,000 per passenger. Paul Lincoln, Director General of Border Force, revealed half of the  21,000 people who arrived in the UK on Monday had their passenger locator forms and test results checked. Forty fines were issued.

Joe Biden signs 15 executive orders on first day in Oval Office, reversing Trump's wall and rejoining Paris climate deal - latest news - Telegraph.co.uk

Joe Biden on Wednesday began signing 17 executive orders, memorandums and proclamations addressing the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and racial inequality, and immediately undoing some policies put in place by his predecessor Donald Trump.

China on Wednesday congratulated US President Joe Biden in a series of messages and editorials that called for a reset in Sino-US ties after four tumultuous years of the Trump Administration, writes Erin Hale. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Biden that emphasised China hoped the two sides can develop a relationship featuring no conflict [and] no confrontation, according to China Daily. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs followed suit after Bidens inauguration as spokesowman Hua Chunying told reporters on Thursday she hoped an angel of goodwill would defeat evil forces between China and the US, CGTN reported. She said China looked forward to the new day promised by Biden in his inaugural address. The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of Chinas Communist Party, on Thursday hailed the return of rationality to the White House and encouraged US policy makers to stop regarding China as Americas nemesis. An opinion piece in the more fiery Global Times encouraged Biden to drop Trumpss toxic rhetoric toward China and expressed concern that Trump and conservative anti-China forces in the US want the new administration to inherit and continue the tough strategy toward China. Another Global Times piece also drew attention to the Trump White House's close relationship with Taiwan. The article expressed hoped Biden would limit its relationship after an exceptionally close four years between the US and the island democracy, which China regards as its territory.

President Joe Biden's inauguration speech in full: 'We will write an American story of hope' - The Telegraph

In his inauguration address, President Joe Biden called on Americans to be 'different and better' - read his full speech below

My fellow Americans, in the work ahead of us we're going to need each other. We need all our strength to persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the darkest and deadliest period of the virus. We must set aside politics and finally face this pandemic as one nation, one nation. And I promise this, as the Bible says, 'Weeping may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morning'. We will get through this together. Together. Look folks, all my colleagues I serve with in the House and the Senate up here, we all understand the world is watching. Watching all of us today. So here's my message to those beyond our borders. America has been tested and we've come out stronger for it. We will repair our alliances, and engage with the world once again. Not to meet yesterday's challenges but today's and tomorrow's challenges. And we'll lead not merely by the example of our power but the power of our example. Fellow Americans, moms, dads, sons, daughters, friends, neighbours and co-workers. We will honour them by becoming the people and the nation we can and should be. So I ask you let's say a silent prayer for those who lost their lives, those left behind and for our country. Amen. Folks, it's a time of testing. We face an attack on our democracy, and on truth, a raging virus, a stinging inequity, systemic racism, a climate in crisis, America's role in the world. Any one of these would be enough to challenge us in profound ways. But the fact is we face them all at once, presenting this nation with one of the greatest responsibilities we've had. Now we're going to be tested. Are we going to step up? It's time for boldness for there is so much to do. And this is certain, I promise you. We will be judged, you and I, by how we resolve these cascading crises of our era. We will rise to the occasion. Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must and I'm sure you do as well. I believe we will, and when we do, we'll write the next great chapter in the history of the United States of America. The American story. A story that might sound like a song that means a lot to me, it's called American Anthem. And there's one verse that stands out at least for me and it goes like this: 'The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day, which shall be our legacy, what will our children say? Let me know in my heart when my days are through, America, America, I gave my best to you.' Let us add our own work and prayers to the unfolding story of our great nation. If we do this, then when our days are through, our children and our children's children will say of us: 'They gave their best, they did their duty, they healed a broken land.'

The list of people Donald Trump pardoned on his last day in office (and the reasons why) - The Telegraph

Donald Trump granted 73 pardons on his last day of office - this is who received them

DeWayne Phelps   Sentence commuted  Mr Phelps has served 11 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He has served over a decade in prison with clear conduct. Isaac Nelson   Sentence commuted  Mr Nelson is serving a mandatory 20-year sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. Throughout his incarceration, he appears to have demonstrated commendable adjustment to custody. Traie Tavares Kelly  Sentence commuted  Mr Kelly was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribution of 50 grams or more of cocaine base and five kilograms or more of cocaine. He has served more than 14 years in prison, but if he were sentenced today, he would likely be subject only to 10-year mandatory minimum. Javier Gonzales   Sentence commuted  Mr Gonzales was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine in 2005. He has served more than 14 years in prison, which is four years longer than the 10-year sentence he would likely receive today.  Eric Wesley Patton Full pardon Mr Patton was convicted of making a false statement on a mortgage application in 1999. In the 20 years since his conviction, Mr Patton has worked hard to build a sterling reputation. Robert William Cawthon Full pardon  Mr Cawthon was convicted in 1992 for making a false statement on a bank loan application and was sentenced to three years probation, conditioned upon 180 days home confinement.  His atonement has been exceptional, and since his conviction he has led an unblemished life. Hal Knudson Mergler Full pardon  Mr Mergler was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in 1992. He received 1 month imprisonment, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution. Since his conviction, Mr Mergler has lived a productive and law-abiding life. Gary Evan Hendler Full pardon  In 1984, Mr Hendler was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances and served three years probation for his crime.  In the years since his conviction, Mr Hendler has lived a law-abiding life and helped others recover from addiction. John Harold Wall Full pardon Mr Wall was convicted of aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in 1992. He completed a 60-month prison sentence with 4 years supervised release. Steven Samuel Grantham Full pardon  Mr Grantham was convicted in 1967 for stealing a vehicle. He received 18-months imprisonment, and two years probation.  He now seeks a pardon for forgiveness and to restore his gun rights. Clarence Olin Freeman Full pardon Mr Freeman was convicted in 1965 for operating an illegal whisky still. He received nine months imprisonment and five years probation. Since his conviction and release from prison, Mr Freeman has led a law-abiding life.  Fred Keith Alford Full pardon Mr Alford was convicted in 1977 for a firearm violation and served one year of unsupervised probation. Since his conviction, he has established a stable and law-abiding life.  John Knock Sentence commuted Mr Knock is a 73 year-old man, a first-time, non-violent marijuana only offender, who has served 24 years of a life sentence. Mr Knock has an exemplary prison history. Kenneth Charles Fragoso  Sentence commuted Mr Fragoso is a 66 year-old United States Navy veteran who has served more than 30 years of a life sentence for a non-violent drug offense. Mr Fragoso has an exemplary prison history and has worked for UNICOR for more than 20 years, learned new trades, and has mentored fellow inmates. Luis Gonzalez  Sentence commuted Mr Gonzalez is a 78-year-old non-violent drug offender who has served more than 27 years of a life sentence. Under the First Step Act, Mr Fragoso would not have been subject to a mandatory life sentence. Mr Gonzalez has an upstanding prison record and has worked for UNICOR for more than 20 years producing military uniforms. Anthony DeJohn  Sentence commuted Mr DeJohn has served more than 13 years of a life sentence for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Mr DeJohn has maintained a clear disciplinary record and has been recognized for his outstanding work ethic while incarcerated.  Mr DeJohn has employment and housing available to him upon release. Corvain Cooper  Sentence commuted Mr Cooper is a 41 year-old father of two girls who has served more than 7 years of a life sentence for his non-violent participation in a conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Way Quoe Long  Sentence commuted Mr Long is a 58 year-old who has served nearly half of a 50-year sentence for a non-violent conviction for conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. Mr Long has spent his incarceration striving to better himself through English proficiency classes and by obtaining his GED.   Michael Pelletier Sentence commuted Mr Pelletier is a 64 year-old who has served 12 years of a 30-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Mr Pelletier has maintained a clear disciplinary record, has thrived as an artist working with oil paints on canvas, and has taken several courses to perfect his skill while incarcerated.  Craig Cesal   Sentence commuted Mr Cesal is a father of two, one of whom unfortunately passed away while he was serving his life sentence for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Mr Cesal has had an exemplary disciplinary record and has become a paralegal assistant and a Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic Church to assist and guide other prisoners.  Darrell Frazier Sentence commuted Mr Frazier is a 60 year-old who has served 29 years of a life sentence for non-violent conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Mr Frazier has had an exemplary disciplinary record in prison and has spent his time creating the Joe Johnson Tennis Foundation. Lavonne Roach  Sentence commuted Ms Roach has served 23 years of a 30-year sentence for non-violent drug charges. She has had an exemplary prison record and has tutored and mentored other prisoners. Blanca Virgen  Sentence commuted Ms Virgen has served 12 years of a 30-year sentence. Rather than accept a plea offer of 10 years, Ms Virgen exercised her constitutional right to trial and received triple the amount of time the government offered her to plead. She has received countless achievement awards from her educational programming in prison.  Robert Francis  Sentence commuted Mr Francis has served 18 years of a life sentence for non-violent drug conspiracy charges. Mr Francis has a spotless disciplinary record in prison and has been active in his efforts toward rehabilitation. Brian Simmons Sentence commuted Mr Simmons has served five years of a 15 year sentence for a non-violent conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana. Mr Simmons has had an exemplary prison record and upon release will have strong support from his fiancée and his community. Derrick Smith  Sentence commuted Mr Smith is a 53 year-old who has served more than 20 years of a nearly 30 year sentence for distribution of drugs to a companion who passed away. Mr Smith is deeply remorseful for his role in this tragic death and has had an exemplary record while incarcerated. Mr Smith intends to secure a construction job, care for his mother and his son, and rebuild his relationship with his two other children. Raymond Hersman  Sentence commuted Mr Hersman is a 55 year-old father of two who has served more than 9 years of a 20 year sentence. While incarcerated, Mr Hersman has maintained a spotless disciplinary record, worked steadily, and participated in several programming and educational opportunities.  Upon release, he looks forward to transitioning back into the community and leading a productive life with strong family support. David Barren Sentence commuted Mr Barren is a father of six children. He has served 13 years of his life sentence in addition to 20 years for a non-violent drug conspiracy charge. Mr Barren has maintained an exemplary prison record. Upon release, Mr Barren looks forward to returning home to his family. James Romans  Sentence commuted Mr Romans is a father and a grandfather who received a life sentence without parole for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Mr Romans has had an exemplary disciplinary record for the more than 10 years he has served, and has completed a long list of courses. He has already secured job opportunities that will help him successfully re-enter society. Jonathon Braun  Sentence commuted Mr Braun has served five years of a 10-year sentence for conspiracy to import marijuana and to commit money laundering. Upon his release, Mr Braun will seek employment to support his wife and children. Michael Harris Sentence commuted Mr Harris is a 59 year-old who has served 30 years of a 25 year to life sentence for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Mr Harris has had an exemplary prison record for three decades. He is a former entrepreneur and has mentored and taught fellow prisoners how to start and run businesses. He has completed courses towards business and journalism degrees.  Kyle Kimoto  Sentence commuted Mr Kimoto is a father of six who has served 12 years of his 29 year sentence for a non-violent telemarketing fraud scheme. Mr Kimoto has been an exemplary prisoner, has held numerous jobs, shown remorse, and mentored other inmates in faith. Chalana McFarland  Sentence commuted Ms McFarland has served 15 years of a 30-year sentence. Though she went to trial, Ms McFarland actually cooperated with authorities by informing them of a potential attack on the United States Attorney. Her co-defendants who pled guilty, however, received lesser sentences ranging from 5 to 87 months. Ms McFarland was a model inmate and is now under home confinement. Eliyahu Weinstein  Sentence commuted Mr Weinstein is the father of seven children and a loving husband. He is currently serving his eighth year of a 24-year sentence for a real estate investment fraud and has maintained an exemplary prison history. John Estin Davis  Sentence commuted Mr Davis has spent the last 4 months incarcerated for serving as Chief Executive Office of a healthcare company with a financial conflict of interest. Notably, no one suffered financially as a result of his crime and he has no other criminal record. Prior to his conviction, Mr Davis was well known in his community as an active supporter of local charities.  He is described as hardworking and deeply committed to his family and country.  Alex Adjmi  Full pardon In 1996, Mr Adjmi was convicted of a financial crime and served 5 years in prison. Following his release, he has dedicated himself to his community and has supported numerous charitable causes, including support for children with special needs and substance recovery centers. Elliott Broidy Full pardon Mr Broidy is the former Deputy National Finance Chair of the Republican National Committee.  Mr Broidy was convicted on one count of conspiracy to serve as an unregistered agent of a foreign principal. Mr Broidy is well known for his numerous philanthropic efforts, including on behalf of law enforcement, the military and veterans programs, and the Jewish community. Stephen K. Bannon Full pardon Prosecutors pursued Mr Bannon with charges related to fraud stemming from his involvement in a political project. Mr Bannon has been an important leader in the conservative movement and is known for his political acumen.

Social distancing rage triggers surge of attacks on supermarket staff - Telegraph.co.uk

Co-op Food boss says expectation that workers should enforce rules on face masks is triggering attacks and aggression by customers

Supermarket workers are battling a surge of violence as customers vent their rage over a new crackdown on face coverings, the boss of Co-op Food has said. Demands for staff to enforce mask-wearing and social distancing rules have created a major flashpoint for abuse, threats and violence, Jo Whitfield said, with thousands of incidents every week. She added that supermarkets should not be expected to make customers cover up as this is officially the responsibility of the police. There has been a 140pc surge in criminal activity at the Co-op over the past year, with more than 200,000 cases including those that are violent, non-violent or involve shoplifting. It comes after supermarkets launched a massive operation to keep Britain fed which put their typically low-paid workers on the front line of the Covid crisis. Writing for The Telegraph, Ms Whitfield said: The reality is that shop workers are facing levels of violence for just doing their job: they have been spat at and threatened just because theyve asked customers to respect social distancing. Colleagues have been terrorised with axes and physically punched. Another was hospitalised with a punctured lung and broken ribs after being attacked by three shoplifters over a £10 bottle of spirits. The problem is not a Co-op one, or a retailer one it is a societal one. Social distancing enforcement is the top cause of attacks and aggression against workers whereas before the pandemic it was shoplifting, according to retail workers' union Usdaw. Almost one in 10 shop staff say they have been assaulted, more than half have been threatened and almost 90pc have been verbally abused. This month a string of chains have stepped up their efforts to encourage mask use throughout stores or ban entry following pressure from the Government over concerns that supermarkets could be vectors for the spread of Covid.